India’s batting mainstay Virat Kohli was on Sunday fined 30% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan in Mirpur.

Virat Kohli reacts after getting dismissed by Mohammad Sami during the Asia Cup T20 cricket tournament match between India and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.(AFP Photo)

India’s batting mainstay Virat Kohli was on Sunday fined 30% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan in Mirpur.

“The player was found to have breached Article 2.1.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match’,” the ICC said.

“The incident happened in the 15th over of India’s innings on Saturday when Kohli, after being given out leg before, displayed dissent by first showing his bat and then leaving the crease while looking back at the umpire and uttering some words that were contrary to the spirit of the game,” it added.

On Sunday, Kohli admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. “As such, there was no need for a formal hearing,” the ICC said.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ruchira Palliyaguruge and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Enamul Haque and fourth official Anisur Rahman. For all first offences, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.

Kohli scored 49 to prop up India in a tricky chase as they defeated neighbours Pakistan by five wickets in the low-scoring match on Saturday.

Kohli looked assured and on course for his 13th T20 fifty but was given lbw against paceman Mohammad Sami though he seemed to have got an edge on the ball.